Metzeler 888 tires

[cogenguy]

I have a 2000 standard tourer and currently running Dunlop Elite 4 tires.  Rear tire has 16000 miles and will need to be replaced soon.  I am finding tires are somewhat hard to come by for some reason these days.  I am considering going to a Metzeler 888 on the rear.  Front tire will be replaced at a later date.  I would like some thoughts on the Metzeler tires from those who have been using them.  Thanks to all in advance.

[da prez]

I run Metzler on the front. I'm almost ready for my third. I'm dark side on the rear.

                 da prez

[hubcapsc]

Even though I usually get Avons, my favorite tires on my 1500 have
been both Avons and Metzelers. I haven't had a Metzeler since
they were 880s, but...

I just got a Metzeler Roadtec 01 for my 1800, it is not installed yet.

-Mike

[Jess from VA]

I've tried others, but only run ME880s on the front. 

880s (in the correct valk size) come in bias and radials (radials last longer, but both are good tires)

I've never used an 888 yet.   

[pokrovsky]

I’ve run 888 for about 5k miles and replaced with Avon Chrome. I like Avon better. I’ve also run 888 on my V-Rod Muscle and too went to Avons.
Nothing wrong with them whatsoever but Avons feel grippier and corner more predictable (for my taste at least and ok two totally different bikes)
I don’t think I’ll get the longevity from Avons comparing to Metzlers though

[RonW]

Those 888's sipes always looked too narrow for me. Anybody had problems with them?

[jnicks01]

I can also say I am happy with Metzeler.  I have to 880 on front.  Still okay on the rear for now, but I'd consider the 888 for sure.  I also run the brand on my BMW.  Any tire manufacturer will work as long as you maintain pressures...Avon, Shinko, etc. 

[Bagger John - #3785]

I ran 880s on my '03 when I had it. Blondie seemed to have ZERO trouble locking up the rear wheel with a moderate brake application while decelerating from speed, so there's that. Otherwise, they were roughly equal to the OEM Dunlops.

I have a set of Cobras on my '99 Tourer and they've served me well. Will probably replace with a set of Chromes when the time comes.

Still up in the air about what I want to do for tires with my Supervalked I/S. Got a new set of wheels for it and need skins after they've been powdercoated.

[h13man]

Metzler 888's and Michelin Commander II are designed to give longer wear/mileage thus harder compounds. On lighter bike's like 1100-1300 cc vtwin variants there has been a lot of cold and wet traction/braking issues. OEM 701/702 Bridgestone Exedra are still a good tire for the $$$.


 

[Bagger John - #3785]

On lighter bike's like 1100-1300 cc vtwin variants there has been a lot of cold and wet traction/braking issues.

Besides Valkyries, my other two rides are Concours 14s. Both are shod with Pilot Road IIIs at the moment; they were the stickiest touring tire available when I bought them.

The '08 has absolutely ZERO trouble breaking the rear tire loose at speed when abruptly opening the throttle in the lower gears; fortunately the slip point is predictable and the bike remains controlled. I can get my '12 to do same if I turn off all the rider-nanny features.

It goes without saying that anything more than a sedately-paced ride in the wet with the '08 demands your full attention.

[Jess from VA]

It's somewhat harder to break loose a car tire on hard acceleration.  They will squawk, but grab right away.

And it's also harder to skid a car tire on on hard braking, but if you do, it's much more likely to slide straight ahead than bike tires on back. 

[f-Stop]

I am finding tires are somewhat hard to come by for some reason these days.

I contacted Dunlop about that very thing and they wrote back blaming their manufacturing woes on the pandemic.  My front Elite III is done and I'm hoping to get an Elite IV to match the new rear Elite IV. 

But...without a definite date on when the front Elite IV will be available I'm considering putting a Shinko SE90 on as an interim replacement until Dunlop's manufacturing gets back up to speed.

A little side story:  I had Metzler 880's on my wife's VT1100C Shadow and experienced the exact issues explained by h13man.  Never liked those Metzlers because of those issues.  Nevertheless, we rode those Metzlers 'til they were done.  By then my wife had lost interest in riding, so I was gonna sell the Shadow.  I put new Shinkos on to save money and to have new tires on the bike to help make the sell.  Well, we ended up changing our minds on selling the bike, but the Shinkos have remained and to my surprise, they really ride great.  So yeah...Shinko tires!

[pancho]

https://www.rideapart.com/reviews/247448/metzeler-me888-marathon-ultra-first-ride-through-italy/

[mhallock]

I ran the 880's for many years....been running the 888's for a while now and love them.  I am a conservative rider and have heard the 888's can slide on wet roads (harder compound than 880's), but I have not experienced that.

Mark

[RonW]

Thanks, they do look slippery

[Jess from VA]

Looks can be deceiving.

ME880 vs Avon Cobra


ME880 vs ME888

[mhallock]

Jess,

The top picture is ME880, not ME888, right??

Mark

[Jess from VA]

Yeah, I guess it is.  Sorry.  The caption to that pic said 888, but looking again, no.  Corrected.

ME888

[Glaserbeam]

I've had one set of Metzeler 880s and one set of 888s on my '02 Standard (all radials).  In both cases the tires were down to the wear bars within 5,000 miles, and on the 888 rear in particular the grip seemed to be diminished within 3,000 miles.  I switched to Avon Cobras and they seem to grip much better, but I only have 1,000 miles on them so far.

[DeathWishBikerDude]

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,12541.0.html

[DeathWishBikerDude]

I run a Kendra rear tire on the front.
Reversed rotation.
Rides great.
Wears great.
Inexpensive tire.

[jer0177]

I've had some stickiness issues with the 888, but they wear like iron.

Guess that's the trade-off.